Minnesota-Style Sloppy Joes
Open-faced Minnesota sloppy joes with beef or turkey, tangy tomato sauce, and optional heat. Easy to make, freezer friendly, and great for crowds.
Every once in a while, I get nostalgic for comfort foods from my youth. Sloppy Joes are at the top of that list. I like them served open-faced on white bread. I think, traditionally, they're served on hamburger buns.
Submitted by: Jennifer from Chicago, IL
Submitted by: Jennifer from Chicago, IL
Yield: 4 servings
- Cook aromatics, brown the meat, then simmer the sauce until thick for best texture and flavor.
- Swap ground turkey for a leaner option, and use tomato paste if you do not have tomato powder.
- Make ahead and freeze up to 3 months; adjust heat by leaving out jalapeño and Tabasco.
Preparation Instructions:
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More About This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works fine and makes the dish leaner. Add a tablespoon of oil when frying the vegetables to prevent sticking, brown the turkey until no pink remains, and taste for seasoning because turkey is milder than beef.
What can I use instead of tomato powder?
Use tomato paste if you do not have tomato powder. Start with about 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for the 1 1/2 tablespoons of powder called for, then simmer and taste. Add more paste if you want a stronger tomato flavor.
How can I thicken the sloppy joe mixture faster?
Simmer uncovered over medium-low until reduced. To speed it up, raise heat briefly and stir often, or stir in a small cornstarch slurry made from 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water. Add the slurry a little at a time until you reach the desired thickness.
Can I make this ahead or freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry, or microwave until hot.
How do I reduce or remove the heat?
Leave out the jalapeño and Tabasco for no heat. If you want mild spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or use just a small pinch of Tabasco. Taste and add a little at a time until you reach the right level.
What bread is best for serving sloppy joes?
Classic options are hamburger buns or open-faced white bread. You can also use brioche buns, slider rolls, or spoon the mixture over rice or baked potatoes for a different take.
Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. For a slow cooker, brown the vegetables and meat first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 4 hours or high for 1 to 2 hours. For an Instant Pot, use Sauté to brown the vegetables and meat, add the sauce ingredients, then pressure cook on high for 5 minutes and use a quick release. Finish with a brief simmer on Sauté to thicken if needed.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make and can I scale it up?
One pound of meat typically serves about 4 people as sloppy joe sandwiches. You can double or triple the ingredients for larger groups; just use a larger pan and increase simmer time until the sauce is thick.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works fine and makes the dish leaner. Add a tablespoon of oil when frying the vegetables to prevent sticking, brown the turkey until no pink remains, and taste for seasoning because turkey is milder than beef.
What can I use instead of tomato powder?
Use tomato paste if you do not have tomato powder. Start with about 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for the 1 1/2 tablespoons of powder called for, then simmer and taste. Add more paste if you want a stronger tomato flavor.
How can I thicken the sloppy joe mixture faster?
Simmer uncovered over medium-low until reduced. To speed it up, raise heat briefly and stir often, or stir in a small cornstarch slurry made from 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water. Add the slurry a little at a time until you reach the desired thickness.
Can I make this ahead or freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry, or microwave until hot.
How do I reduce or remove the heat?
Leave out the jalapeño and Tabasco for no heat. If you want mild spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or use just a small pinch of Tabasco. Taste and add a little at a time until you reach the right level.
What bread is best for serving sloppy joes?
Classic options are hamburger buns or open-faced white bread. You can also use brioche buns, slider rolls, or spoon the mixture over rice or baked potatoes for a different take.
Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. For a slow cooker, brown the vegetables and meat first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 4 hours or high for 1 to 2 hours. For an Instant Pot, use Sauté to brown the vegetables and meat, add the sauce ingredients, then pressure cook on high for 5 minutes and use a quick release. Finish with a brief simmer on Sauté to thicken if needed.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make and can I scale it up?
One pound of meat typically serves about 4 people as sloppy joe sandwiches. You can double or triple the ingredients for larger groups; just use a larger pan and increase simmer time until the sauce is thick.
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